Nuts about Needlepoint » FATC

Summer Classes from Art Needlepoint

Janet Perry — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:59:37 +0000

I am so excited about the classes I’ll be teaching for Art Needlepoint over the summer. Each class will focus on a specific technique. They are offered exclusively through Art Needlepoint.

Best of all, the class is free with the purchase of the canvas and kit.

The first class, pictured here, is a basic shading class. It uses this charming Art Nouveau Iris and Needlepoint, Inc silks to teach needleblending, a technique for shading using stranded threads. It begins June 11.

Starting June 15 is Stitching the Impressionists with Shadow Stitching using a lovely watercolor of waterlilies by John LaFarge. The combination of this technique with the changing colors and textures of Impressionism will make for dynamic needlepoint.

Learning how to do effective shading with single strand threads is the topic of the class beginning July 1. It uses a contemporary shaded circle design and wool threads. This technique will free you to do shading on any canvas with any thread.

The lovely Flowers by contemporary artist Virginia Kelly will be combined with textured stitches and special effects in a class beginning July 15. In this class you’ll learn lots that you’ll be able to use on other projects while creating a lovely project that will make a great pillow or picture.

You sign up for any of these classes by clicking on the link and purchasing the kit.

The last class, Shading the Face, will begin August 1 and will use a lovely portrait of a girl by a Brazilian artist. You can read about the painting and the class in a blog post from Art Needlepoint. Please let them know if you are interested in this class.

All the classes are conducted over the Internet with lessons emailed to you, private discussion groups, and scheduled chats.

Hope you’ll join me!

DIY Stitch Guide Email Course Now Open

Janet Perry — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:20:13 +0000

Does the whole process of picking stitches and threads for a canvas confuse you?

Would you like to feel more confident in your stitch and thread choices?

Do you have a canvas you love but have never started because you don’t want to “spoil” it?

Have you abandoned or been disappointed with pieces you’ve done because they seem “wrong” or “too much?”

I’m putting together an email class designed to help you put together your own stitch guides. While each person stitches a canvas differently, there are guidelines, techniques, and tips that will help any one, at any stitching level, create a lovely finished canvas.

I’ve worked and thought and stitched over decades and developed principles that I want to share with you in this pilot cyberclass.

Participants in the class will not only get the five-lesson cyberclass but a selected group of people will get to have a canvas they submit analyzed for stitch guide possibilities. Another group of students will be able to have one stitched or partially stitched “failure” analyzed for how it could be improved.

In the cyberclass I’ll show you, with stitched and unstitched examples, the things no one tells you about. You’ll learn

the different ways designs get on canvas and what they mean for stitching
how to pick threads for different areas for realism, fun stitching, and special effects
the different types of stitches and how to pick them so they fit on canvas
why every canvas needs to have some Tent Stitch on it
how to create a balanced canvas

Not only will you learn the things you’ve always wanted to know but that no one would tell you, but you’ll see the guidelines in action, with my successful canvases, my failures, and even my unstitched canvases. As a bonus you’ll see how, with one canvas, my initial plan got changed as I translated it to stitching.

Needlepoint is so wonderful and creative but for too long have people treated the creation of a stitch guide as a secret.

It’s not, you can learn to do it yourself, and I want to teach you how.

Become part of this exciting pilot cyberclass, beginning May 20 and continuing for five weeks. There will also be a private Yahoo group created as part of the class where we can continue the discussion and share our problems and results.

The class is only $15 and you can sign up today using the PayPal button below. If you would prefer not to use PayPal, please contact me.

Stitches & Threads Focus of February Class

Janet Perry — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:16:59 +0000

Stitches and threads. Stitches and threads. They are the stuff of needlepoint and are always exciting. But learning them can often be a daunting task for new stitchers or those trying needlepoint for the first time.

In this class, suitable for beginners and all others, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about eight threads with seven stitches all in the context of this charming canvas from Sandy Grossman-Morris. While many beginning needlepoint classes cover stitches only, this class teaches about stitches and threads within the context of painted canvas, today’s most popular form of needlepoint.

The class is packed with so much information, you’ll learn how to make Basketweave and Continental properly. You’ll try stitches from several stitch families, including ones that call for two kinds of threads. You’ll discover tips and techniques for using all types of threads, including ribbons and the popular overdyed threads. You’ll even learn some more advanced stitches and techniques.

The canvas is perfectly sized to hold an iPod or iPhone and is included with your class fee. An optional thread kit is available for an extra fee.

You might be wondering about whether an on-line class is for you. My classes are designed to be short and affordable, giving using projects that are quick to finish and focusing on specific aspects of needlepoint. I try to replicate the experience of an in-person class on-line, by providing lots of additional material and instruction beyond the printed materials. Stitchers at all levels have fallen in love with them.

The class, with canvas included, is $35. Registration is open now, and you can sign up by using this PayPal button.

This class is so great, it’s a double gift. Give yourself the present of the class and the give the finished project as a present.

If you have questions or would prefer another method of payment, please contact me.

Overdyed Thread Kimono Class Now Open

Janet Perry — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:16:17 +0000

Overydyed threads are both wonderful and seductive. The colors are great, the textures are lovely. So you buy one to use one your canvas and BOOM! you run into what I call “the overdye problem.” No matter how solid the thread looks, stitch it in Basketweave and suddenly you have diagonal stripes.

The end result is that you swear off these threads forever from painted canvases and non-geometric projects.

It doesn’t have to be that way. In my upcoming on-line class you’ll be learning about handling overdyes and hand-dyes, how to use them in different stitches and easy ways to control the thread (as opposed to the thread controlling you).

In this class you will have the opportunity to work with five different overdyed threads. You’ll learn ways to manage them for Tent Stitches and Tent Stitch equivalents, how to color match and how to cut threads at the repeating point.

The four-lesson class, beginning October 15, with the printed canvas is only $27.50. You can sign up right now via PayPal.

The charming canvas is from Patt & Lee and is the fourth (and last) in my series of technique kimonos. The class is open to only a limited number of students because it is a pilot.

There will be a partial thread kit available for the class that contains all of the overdyed threads, including two silks. It is $25.00 including US shipping. Please email me before Oct 1 if you want the kit.

Join today to learn how to use these threads!

Sneak Peek – Cyberclasses, Sept 2010 – June 2011

Janet Perry — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:55:55 +0000

I’ve been planning my on-line education offerings for the next few months and I’m really excited about them. My plan is to make each one focused on learning a particular aspect of needlepoint. Each one will use a lovely computer-printed canvas. This means that not only will you be learning the technique or stitch but you will be putting it in context on the kind of canvases you see in shops.

At the end you’ll have a lovely finished piece that you can use as a reference, give as a gift or keep for yourself. The projects and instructions are easy enough that beginning stitchers can take the class.

Each class will be announced here when it is open for registration. You can also sign-up for the email list on Needlepoint Stitch Guides.

Kimono from Patt & Lee Designs

October 2010 – Overdye Kimono – An Introduction to Overydyed Threads. This class will use three different overdyed and hand-dyed threads to help you learn to use them on canvases with both Tent & Decorative Stitches

Eyeglass Case from Sandy Grossman-Morris

December 2010 – Silk Ribbon, Embellishments & Padding – Learn Easy techniques to add sparkle & dimension to your needlepoint

Cellphone or iPod Case from Sandy Grossman-Morris

February 2011 – Textured Stitches & Threads – Learn some easy stitches in this charming stitch and thread sampler

Bat Cat canvas from Patt & Lee Designs

April 2011 – Texture in Tent Stitch – Learn ways to use different threads and Tent Stitch to show texture

Lighthouse Ornament from Sandy Grossman-Morris

June 2011 – New Techniques for Overdyed Threads – More easy techniques for using overdyes on canvas to mimic stucco, stone walls, skies, sand, and water. You’ll love how these techniques will make your needlepoint look

All classes will be distributed as PDFs and sent via email. A Yahoo group is set up for each class for supplemental material and discussion.

I have some other longer projects in the works and will let you know about them soon.

Threads Kimono Cyberclass Now Open

Janet Perry — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:52:01 +0000

Threads, they can make or break a canvas.

How many times have you found yourself wishing that you knew how to use that luscious new thread you see in your LNS?How many times have you tried to use a new thread and found yourself frustrated?

My new kimono class, beginning July 10, focuses on needlepoint threads. By stitching this kimono (only four stitches used), you’ll get a chance to try more than a dozen threads. In the class you’ll learn about the fibers that make up threads, thread classification and construction, tips for stitching with all kinds of threads, and thread substitution. You’ll also learn how to balance a needlepoint so that it looks perfect and two new background techniques

The class is $27.50. You’ll get the three lesson class, the canvas (no threads), and participation in the lively Yahoo discussion group, which will give you even more chances for learning.

This is a pilot class, so openings are limited. You can register for the class to today through the PayPal button below.

If you prefer to pay by check, or have other questions, please contact me. My email is napaneedlepoint (at) gmail (dot) com (leave out spaces & replace (words) with symbols).

Textured Stitch Cyberclass

Janet Perry — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:20:23 +0000

learn lots of textured stitches for needlepoint in this cyberclass

Learning new stitches and making something lovely is a double win for needlepointers. When the canvas is as delightful as this little kimono from Patt & Lee Designs, that’s even better.

Patt and I are collaborating on a series of three classes for the three kimonos in this series. Each class will focus on a particular technique and will be suitable for both beginning and experienced stitchers. The textured stitch kimono is the first in the series and will begin, via email, April 1, 2010.

The class uses Patt’s canvas, Kreinik metallics and floss. Other thread options will be provided on request. Fourteen different stitches will be taught. Valuable extras in the class include information on stitch selection, stitch variations, and stitch dictionaries.

The cost for this special three-lesson class is $27.50, including the canvas and mailing in the US. It included membership in the Yahoo group set up for the class as well as a written evaluation of your stitching (details on that will be sent upon enrollment).

The size of the class is limited. You can sign up by clicking the PayPal button below. If you would like to take the class, but don’t use PayPal, please contact me. Once payment is received you will get an email with the materials list and will be sent the canvas.

If you are outside the US, please note that in the payment, so we can make arrangements about the additional postage.

Birthday Plaid for Needlepoint or Cross Stitch Cyberclass

Janet Perry — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:52:08 +0000

Personal, or birthday, plaids are a unique way to make a needlework accessory for yourself or as a gift. As part of Counted Wishes, beginning Feb. 1 I will be teaching a Cyberclass on making these plaids as a wallet insert.

The class can be done in needlepoint or cross stitch (the cross stitch insert is pictured above). In the three-lesson class you will learn how to create your plaid and arrange colors for it, how to design the plaid, stitching the plaid, and how to finish it easily to fit into a wallet.

This delightful class is only $20. and will include a free ebook copy of my popular project pack, Birthday Plaid Mini-sock (value $10).

You can register for the class via PayPal.

All registrants will be added to a private Yahoo group for the class.

FATC – Easy Methods to Make or Finish

Janet Perry — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:35:18 +0000

You read about the FATC exchange yesterday and the idea intrigues you, BUT you do needlepoint and needlepoint can be “finishing unfriendly.”

It is and it isn’t. Here are several ideas you can use to make your FATC while still doing needlepoint.

1. Use interlock canvas. Because of the construction of the canvas you can cut your needlepoint almost to the edge (leave a margin of one unstitched thread all around) without ravelling.

2. Use counted cross stitch cloth and do needlepoint on it. I used to do this all the time and it is pretty easy, if a bit strange at first. It’s more like stitching on perforated paper or plastic canvas than needlepoint canvas.

3. Use plastic canvas or perforated paper. If you do this, be sure you arte comfortable with the color of the paper or plastic.

4. Use silk gauze. It comes in meshes as large as 18 and is woven not to ravel.

5. Use fiberglass screen. This makes a cool, almost transparent background. Just be sure to leave one “thread” unstitched all around. Also do not carry threads, they are very visible.

For the background of your FATC, think of card weight paper, or cardbaord covered with paper or fabric, use rectangles of blasa wood, or even old playing cards. Or just make a “quilt” with fabric on the back and whipstitched to the needlework on the front.

Fiber Artist Trading Cards — Call for Participants!

Janet Perry — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:39:02 +0000

You’ve read the great information about Fiber Artist Trading Cards (FATC) posted earlier this month.

Now it’s your turn to participate.

Since this is a new thing, we’ll only have four exchanges this year, one each quarter. For each exchange there will be a theme, picked by one of the participants or a designer. You will be paired with a person. By the deadline, you will send your FATC to your partner. That person will send an FATC to you.
To Join just send me an email (napaneedlepoint @ gmail.com – remove spaces) before February 29, 2008 and let me know. I’ll put your on the list and send you an acknoledgment.

Each exchange you will be paired with a different partner.

The rules are these:
1. FATCs must be 2.5″ x 3.5″ and the design can be finished as either portrait or landscape.
2. All pieces must be finished. Instructions for some ideas for making and finishing will be in an article tomorrow.
3. Pieces must be some kind of hand-done needlework, although they do not have to be needlepoint.
4. Pieces must fit the stated theme, which can be a subject, thread, or even a color.
5. You need to scan your piece before you send it to your partner and send the scan to me. Please note when you do that you must tell me if it is original work or not. If the work is original you give permission for it to be displayed in our Needlework FATC Gallery.
6. If you cannot participate in a quarter’s exchange you must email me in advance to be removed from the list.